Announcing The Wharf Innovation In Business Awards 2016

Held in association with the East London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (incorporating Docklands Business Club) and principal sponsor Canary Wharf Group, the awards celebrate the successes of companies and individuals

'Integrity, ingenuity, inspiration'

The Wharf newspaper has unveiled a new red letter day for the business community of Canary Wharf and east and south-east London.

September 29, 2016, will see its first Innovation In Business Awards celebrating the best of business in the new engine room of the capital’s economy.

Held in association with the East London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (incorporating Docklands Business Club) and with Canary Wharf Group as principal sponsor, the awards will reflect the diverse, the enterprising and the successful, all qualities to be found in businesses from established corporates to startups, as well as innovation in business thinking – from ground-breaking partnerships to small-scale community projects.

Editor of The Wharf Giles Broadbent said: “The strength of business talent in these few square miles is extraordinary.

"The storm of entrepreneurial energy found in enterprises large and small is why the whole centre of gravity of the capital is moving east.

"We want to celebrate that talent and those ideas and, at the same time, give people a chance to network with neighbours they might otherwise never meet.”

The event will be held at the Radisson Blu Edwardian New Providence Wharf with a gala evening of celebration and entertainment.

Commercial group head for The Wharf Karen Brodie: “The business community in Canary Wharf, east and south-east London deserves proper recognition for the successes and innovations it generates on a daily basis so we’re delighted to unveil The Wharf Innovation In Business Awards 2016.”

Criteria for the categories will be published online from Thursday, March 31, 2016, with entries accepted from that date.

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts featuring the talents and insight of core partners – the chamber and principal sponsor Canary Wharf Group. Judges will also be drawn from the companies and organisations sponsoring the individual categories including HSBC, Porsche Centre East London, LycaHealth, London City Airport and the University of East London.

Karen added: “This exciting event will celebrate the integrity, ingenuity and inspiration that drives the business community in Docklands and its surrounding boroughs.

"It will also convey to consumers the great work and customer service delivered by the winning businesses. Whether startup, national or multinational, this is your chance to shine. Put those dates in your diary.”

East London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (incorporating Docklands Business Club) chairman Janette Withey said: “The time has come to celebrate the achievements of companies and individuals in Docklands and its surrounding boroughs.

"This distinguished gathering of local business leaders and other VIPs will bear witness to the deserved recognition of managerial and entrepreneurial talent of the winners.

"The chamber has 31 years of history celebrating the achievements of the commercial and industrial communities in the area and is proud to partner with The Wharf in the evolution of that tradition.”

So why should businesses enter?

Giles said: “This isn’t just about the bottom line, although that’s important.

"These awards will celebrate small-scale projects, innovative thinking, inventive collaborations – these initiatives can happen anywhere, at any time in any size of operation so we urge every business to take pride in both their hard slog and their eureka moments.”

The Wharf Innovation In Business Awards will be made in the following 12 categories:

Businesses and individuals entering the awards must be based in the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham, Greenwich, Lewisham, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, Southwark or in the City with an EC postcode.

For tickets to the awards ceremony, priced £85 per person (£75 for East London Chamber of Commerce members), or sponsorship opportunities around the event contact Karen on 020 7510 6055 or via karen.brodie@wharf.co.uk.

Quick Facts

● What’s the event’s title?

The Wharf Innovation in Business Awards 2016

● Tell me more:

The awards will be made in 12 categories, organised by The Wharf newspaper in association with the East London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (incorporating Docklands Business Club) and principal sponsor Canary Wharf Group.